A podcast is a form of digital media that consists of an episodic series of audio or digital radio, subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication or streamed online to a computer or mobile device (Wikipedia). The word is actually a combination of the words iPod and broadcast. Despite the history of the word, podcasts can actually be accessed using any computer or other device that can play digital files.
Read your assignment instructions carefully. Questions about your podcast? Ask your instructor or TA.
Find other podcasts and media with similar topics/genres. Identify what you liked about them and what you may want to avoid. Think about how you can make your podcast unique or stand out from others.
Plan your podcast. Develop a rough outline of what you’d like to discuss. Consider your introduction, main ideas, and closing remarks.
Also make sure you follow any requirements included in your assignment instructions such as length of podcast, audience, format (report? interview? discussion?) etc.
Gather your thoughts and have topics and information prepared by creating a podcast script. This might cover the following elements:
- Standard podcast introduction
- Welcome message that incorporates an introduction to host(s), guest(s) (if applicable), and topic
- Transitions between segments (can be spoken or a musical cue)
- Structure for the story you’re trying to tell
- Interview questions for guests (if applicable)
- Standard outro and credits
You will find that you may want to integrate materials and content that you have not created yourself and integrate it into your podcast. Some examples include:
- Excerpts of interviews or audio previously created
- Excerpts of audio originating in video
- Sound effects
If you do use content you did not create, be sure to follow copyright rules.
Ensure you have any essential equipment for recording. Need to borrow equipment? Consult University of Toronto Libraries to see if you can borrow equipment from a U of T library near you.